I know two things for sure about Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron: she loves neutral handbags and hates the paparazzi. Both of those are defensible positions, in my mind, and they’re both clearly on display when you thumb through Charlize’s public handbag history, as documented by the dreaded paps.
Like many true A-listers, Charlize is quite adept at dodging photographers when she’s not fulfilling some sort of professional obligation to be seen, but thankfully, when they do catch her, she’s almost always carrying a fabulous bag. Below, we combed through
Alexander Wang Pelican Bag
Shop Alexander Wang via Shopbop
Charlize generally sticks with more expensive brands, but the dark, simple look of this bag fits well with her aesthetic taste.
Balenciaga Papier A4 Tote
$1,082 via Balenciaga
The bag is turned backwards in this photo, but I’ve studied the buckles closely.
Balenciaga Velo Bag
$1,985 via Barneys
With their outwardly recognizable hardware, Charlize’s Balenciaga’s are some of the most notably “branded” bags in her collection.
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Convertible Bag
$3,151 via mytheresa.com
Bottega Veneta is among Charlize’s few favorites; we found several examples of the brand’s subtle woven leather in her closet.
Bottega Veneta Knot Clutch
$1,707 via mytheresa.com
It’s much easier to catch a glimpse of Charlize at an event than it is in everyday life.
Bottega Veneta Maxi Veneta Shoulder Bag
$2,850 via Net-a-Porter
The airport is one of the other only reliable places to spot Charlize; air travel equalizes us all in certain ways.
Chloé Marcie Animation Satchel
$1,990 via Neiman Marcus
I promise this is Charlize, but I understand if you don’t believe me.
Christian Dior Be Dior Bag
Predictably, Charlize is also a frequent carrier of Dior bags. She’s been one of the brand’s most public faces for as long as I can remember.
Christian Dior Diorama Bag
Somewhere, someone in the celebrity dressing department at Dior is thinking MOVE YOUR COAT, CHARLIZE.
We don’t know who made this clutch, but it’s well worth inclusion anyway. If it looks familiar, give us the ID in the comments.
Coach Madison Carryall Bag
Shop via Coach
Every single bag person owns a Coach bag at some point in life. That’s just how bags work.
Christian Dior Haute Couture Clutch
You could make a whole Tumblr full of Sean Penn looking doofy in the background while Charlize looks like a vengeful goddess.
Givenchy Lucrezia Bag
$2,250 via mytheresa.com
The Lucrezia isn’t my favorite Givenchy bag, but I’ve grown to like it and I wish there were more versions around.
Givenchy Lucrezia Weekender
$2,875 via farfetch.com
This bag is a good reminder to always check out the offerings in the men’s section, too.
Givenchy Suede Antigona Bag
$2,395 via mytheresa.com
Way back in the first days of the Antigona, the bag was a lot less structured than it is now.
Jimmy Choo Justine Satchel
Shop via Jimmy Choo
I haven’t seen too many notable bag releases from Jimmy Choo lately, but I hope that changes soon.
Louis Vuitton Soft Lockit Bag
Charlize was among the celebrities on the receiving end of a complimentary bag when this design was released.
Prada Top Handle Briefcase
Shop Prada via Bergdorf Goodman
This bag is a little more structured than Charlize’s usual choices, but it is an undeniably good look.
Proenza Schouler PS13 Bag
Shop via Proenza Schouler
The PS13’s life was relatively short, but it looks pretty good here.
Roger Vivier Mini Maxi Tote
Shop Roger Vivier via mytheresa.com
I wish Vivier’s were more widely available in the US, because every time I see another one, I get a little more intrigued.
Salvatore Ferragamo Emmy Bag
Shop Salvatore Ferragamo via Neiman Marcus
I find the red accents on this bag a little overwhelming; it’s hard to see what’s decorative and what’s an actual pocket or compartment.
Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote
Shop Saint Laurent via Saks
I love getting deep into a celebrity’s photo archive, because you get gems from years ago.
Yves Saint Laurent Muse Bag
Shop Saint Laurent via Saks
Another good example of that phenomenon.
Christian Dior Cannage Tote
At heart, though, Charlize is a Dior girl. Wouldn’t you be, too, if you could get them for free?